2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne presented itself as a versatile SUV, available in both a standard model with a squared-off rear end and a sporty Cayenne Coupe. The lineup ranged from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, each with unique exterior features. The GTS trim, in particular, stood out with high gloss black trim, a distinctive front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch anthracite grey wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe boasted an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from colour choices like Carmine Red to various trim and seat belt options. While the pricing could escalate with customizations, the Cayenne promised a unique and personalized driving experience. The cabin featured numerous screens, yet retained mechanical controls for essential functions, and the layout was praised for its thoughtful design, despite a slightly mobile centre console.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was considered an attractive option in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with pronounced fender flares and a wider grille for a sportier stance. The interior maintained a traditional layout, favouring classier materials over high-tech cockpits. Soft-touch materials and distinct stitching added a touch of elegance, while red leather upholstery in the hybrid model injected vibrancy. A decorative stripe running down the seats added visual interest, though its placement was occasionally awkward. Despite these quirks, the CX-50 positioned itself above other compact SUVs, leaning towards entry-level luxury in design and interior quality.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base model featured a 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S offered a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT boasted 650 hp, though only available as a coupe. Plug-in hybrid options delivered up to 729 hp for peak performance enthusiasts. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, generated 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. Porsche claimed a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono package, and a top speed of 275 km/h. The GTS trim struck a balance between sporty and comfortable, with precise steering and agile handling, thanks to components borrowed from the Turbo GT. The Cayenne's adaptive suspension, Pirelli P Zero tires, and active suspension system contributed to its athletic performance, while the optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In crowded conditions, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, showcasing its versatility.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. While not designed for serious off-road use, the hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, offered reliable performance. The CX-50 Hybrid filled the gap between the 187 hp base engine and the 256 hp Turbo models. Acceleration was comparable to the RAV4 Hybrid, with an estimated 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 to 8 seconds. The electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) replicated the feel of a conventional automatic transmission. The CX-50 distinguished itself with sportier suspension tuning, providing engaging handling and minimal body roll. While the firmer ride quality resulted in more noticeable bumps, the CX-50 maintained a smooth and quiet ride on highways.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte features, with the base model including standard eight-way power-adjustable seats, heated but not cooled or massaging. Two-zone climate control, soft-close doors, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting were available. Higher trims like the GTS added a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner, with options for Race-Tex or leather interiors. The Turbo GT trim featured stainless steel pedal pads and illuminated carbon fibre door-sill guards. While the Cayenne lacked a third row, it comfortably seated five with ample headroom. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching mid-size pickup trucks at 3,500 kg, with a payload capacity of over 635 kg. Cargo space was slightly smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,708 litres with seats folded. The coupe version offered 576 and 1,486 litres, respectively. Plug-in hybrid models had reduced cargo space due to battery placement.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50, while enjoyable to drive, fell short in practicality and space compared to competitors. Front seats offered ample room, but rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers compared to the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, with a moderately sized armrest bin, cupholders, and door pockets, but rivals offered more storage options. Cargo capacity was limited, with 826 litres behind the rear seats, 63 litres less than the non-hybrid CX-50 and significantly below the class average. The CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage offered more cargo space. Despite these limitations, the CX-50's space was usable for daily needs, aided by a standard power liftgate, a large storage bin under the cargo floor, remote rear seatback releases, and shopping bag hooks.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne catered to tech enthusiasts with a curved 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display running the Porsche Communication Management system. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Spotify, Apple Music, satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot were included. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed passengers to control navigation and media, stream videos, or record lap times. The screens were well-organized, responsive, and supported voice control. A head-up display provided pertinent information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The system included night-vision assist, complemented by standard HD-Matrix Design LED headlamps. Four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area were standard, preventing phone overheating while charging.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch horizontal infotainment system mounted atop the dashboard, controlled by a centre console dial. While touchscreen functionality was limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the dial controller offered a user-friendly experience, allowing users to navigate without focusing on small on-screen buttons. All CX-50 models included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad standard on CX-50 Hybrid models in Canada. Base trims featured an eight-speaker audio system, while the GT trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered standard safety features like parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's advanced adaptive cruise control system, InnoDrive, anticipated traffic incidents up to 3 km ahead, though it was not tested during our drive. The Cayenne lacked hands-off/eyes-up driving assist features. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had rated the 2025 Cayenne for safety.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded all CX-50 versions a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard driver assistance features included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Secondary features included a driver attention monitor and automatic high beams. The adaptive cruise control was noted for its smooth acceleration and stops.